VAMPIRE:Vampire Guardian Series: Paranormal Mystery Vampire Alpha Male Romance (New Adult Contemporary Paranormal Royalty Fantasy Romance Collection))

by Rachel S. William

  She isn't exactly how you picture a high powered business lawyer to be. By that I mean gorgeous and sexy, with a laugh that is worth working to get out of her. She is brilliant, of course. You don't become the youngest partner in the history of one of San Francisco's most prestigious business law firms without being brilliant. But she is also very down to earth, and that I find intriguing. She may be powerful and rich, well not as rich as me but then who is, but she hasn't lost sight of where she comes from. It is a combination that is hard to resist. Not that I have really tried that hard to resist her; pretty much the opposite, in fact. I think it is her that is doing all the resisting and I am not used to that reaction.

  Most women set their sights on me but I am used to it and take it in stride. In fact, I have found it part of a great game, so long as both of us know that is what it is. I have always loved women, loved everything about them. I genuinely care for whoever I am with at the time, but it never lasts. I don't really expect it to either. Many of the women are just there for the good times, and I really can't blame them. I like to have a good time, just as I like to work hard. Some have complained that I work a little too hard, but I don't see it that way. I love the work I do and enter it with just as much enthusiasm as I do each relationship I have. But the work is always what drives me. Life is all about taking risks, and I enjoy calculating the business odds and finding the perfect time to jump for that golden ring.

  It is what makes life exciting. But sooner or later I find that most women get tired of playing second fiddle to my need to pursue the bigger deal, make the larger acquisition. That is generally when it ends. I may always be somewhat regretful that it does, but there are always new women to meet. I have stayed friends with plenty of the women I have been with, but I have never pursued someone the way I am pursuing Miss Priscilla Brown. There is just something about her that is different from any woman I have met before. She comes from a whole different world than I do, but she also seems quite at home in mine. It is that combination that so intrigues me and makes me want to see more of her.

  I find myself thinking of her at the oddest times. I had been in New Orleans for a few days now, checking out my latest acquisition. Even here I find her in my thoughts. I will be heading out to a meeting, ready to work a deal, and her laugh will pop into my mind. It will brighten my day and even make me want to call and just say hi. Sometimes I will find myself calling her late at night to talk about some hot new company I am interested in bringing into the fold. She laughs at me when I call it that, but she also understands what I mean by it.

  All of these little companies have great ideas but no cash flow to make them really succeed. When I take them on, I invest in them, take a gamble with them and nurture them. It is why so many of them have become so successful, I think. She gets it, and that is almost as big a turn on with her as her luscious body. A body I fully intend to explore every curve of soon.

  Just as soon as I make this one last big deal, then I am heading back to San Francisco to see if Miss Priscilla is ready for a bigger taste of Julian Yamamoto. I sure hope so. I feel like a kid going out on his first date with her, which is funny because I didn't feel like this back when I did go on my first date. I am beginning to wonder if this could be the right one, the woman I have been hoping to meet. Or am I just being a big romantic, as Yu-Tang loves to tease me about I am all the time?

  Priscilla

  I had been staying in Marianne's studio for several days now. She has flown out with Yu-Tang to Hong Kong, checking out her options on the three or four sites he thought would be advantageous for their gallery. I had plenty on my plate with this huge corporate litigation case looming. However I have always found that as long as I have my trusty laptop and a good connection, I can dig and write my arguments from anywhere. But outside of my almost nightly calls from Julian I have hardly talked to a soul and was beginning to feel a bit stir crazy. Bad guys or not, I had to get out there and walk the streets. It was my usual way to think things through and the studio while spacious didn't cut if for me when it came to my need to pace.

  I don't know why I didn't bring up my two buddies with the tattoos with Julian when we talked. We certainly chatted about everything else going on in our lives. I couldn't talk about the case, of course, but I could talk about everything else and did with him. He told me about his latest gambles with a small software firm in Louisiana of all places that had a real breakout concept. Some guys might play the sugar daddy to these guys; Julian waded in with his sleeves rolled up and came up with solutions as well as the money. I could see he loved it, the chance to be always starting with that big roll of the dice. I loved hearing him talk of his ventures, they were like his children in many ways.

  I did try to bring the conversation around to family from time to time to see if he knew if his Dad had sent a couple of goons to eliminate the little black problem his son had taken on. But Julian was far more interested in my own childhood, playing on the stoops of old brownstones in New York's most battered neighborhood. I was lucky, I got out. Others I grew up with left by going to prison or in a pine box. But my opportunity wasn't handed to me; I worked and even fought for it.

  I demanded that I be considered for that grand prize scholarship when my daddy got drunk and lost the paperwork. I made it up to everyone and then some. But getting Julian to tell me stories of his own childhood was like coaxing a cat into water. It just wasn't in his nature to share that part of him. He didn't sound scared, no signs of abuse and I know it when I am around it, he just didn't take the bait when I asked.

  He told me he is heading back here in a few days and is really looking forward to seeing me. More of me, I believe is his exact words and I think I know what he means. I am no shrinking violet and his kisses have left me hungry for more. But I do have to wonder if this is wise. I can see myself falling for him big time, his charm and laughter, his smarts and his wisecracking. But should I be giving my heart so easily to a man I know has a woman in every port? I will not be another notch on a man's belt. The question is, is Julian that kind of man? I wish I knew.

  Julian

  Something is going on out there with Miss Priscilla and I have to find out what. Several times when we have talked she has deliberately moved the conversation to my dad. I am beginning to wonder if he has taken steps to contact her. He can be a pretty intimidating guy, I know that. He knows about her, I told both my mom and my dad about her the moment I could see this was moving beyond a simple affair. I think it is, at least. Sometimes I think she does too, and then she seems to shy away. I don't think it is the Yakuza connection; I did explain that he isn't involved with that anymore. He is a respectable business man, though he does maintain his connections. You can't completely walk away from something like that.

  But I talked to both of my parents the other day, sounding my dad out on a deal I thought he might want to be a part of as the industry was more his interests than mine. I mentioned I would be heading back to San Francisco after this and he did ask how long I would be. But he didn't ask about her. I respect my father and in my own way I do love him, I just can't always read him. But if he had done anything to interfere with her I would know, wouldn't I?

  I can't stop thinking of her and realize I need to know if this is real. I can't find out from here so I am going to head back next week once the papers are signed and I see that this venture is moving in the direction I knew it would. If I ever needed something to tell me that my feelings for Miss Priscilla are real I got it in spades last night. I was out on the town and New Orleans is quite the town for having fun. I met a sweet young thing who was quite willing, and normally that would have meant a night of fun with a fresh young woman on my arm and in my bed.

  But I found I wasn't really in the mood. Instead I called it a night early, around 2 A.M. which is early for me. It was still 11 in San Fran so I called and caught her in. I was so happy, we talked for an hour and when I hung up I just knew. It is time to go back and woo the lady the way my father wo
oed my mother. The story is legend and I have a feeling that when it comes to falling in love, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Wow – I just said the dreaded words "falling in love" and the world didn't end. Maybe it truly is the real thing. There is only one way to find out and I intend to catch a plane out there just as soon as I can. Tomorrow wouldn't be soon enough I think.

  Priscilla

  No sooner did I hit the sidewalk then my two "buddies" appeared just down the street from me. I don't know how they manage to always blend in, but they do. I have pretty much had enough of this threatening act and decided to take the bull by the horns. I had taken a small handgun with me; it was in my pocket right now. Oh it isn't some illegal back alley piece, I registered it when I bought it years ago from a cop's wife, and I know how to use it. Mostly, in times like today, it simply makes me feel safer. I wasn't about to confront these two without something to back me up – and I was certainly going to confront them.

  When I turned around and walked toward them they looked at each other and then stopped walking. I thought for a minute they would turn away, but they simply stood there stoically, waiting for me to approach. "I know who sent you and you can tell him I am not amused. Nor am I going away so you might as well head back home."

  They didn't bat an eye, just looked at me with that same solid expression, their arms folded in front of them. Then one of them spoke up. "We give you our apologies Miss Brown if we have offended you. We are simply here to offer you protection." I stopped dead in my tracks and looked at them with a bit of suspicion.

  "Protection! The only thing I need protection from seems to be you!" I stepped up closer until I was eye to eye with them and only inches from their crossed arms. They seemed surprised and stepped back a bit. "No, no Miss Brown. You misunderstand. Master Yamamoto has sent us to ensure that you are safe while Julian is away. A man like he makes many enemies, some who would not hesitate to use you as a form of leverage. We are simply here to ensure that does not happen."

  With that the two bowed slightly to me and then turned and walked a few feet away to confer. I stood and waited, impatiently. I knew Julian was on his way back next week so if what they were saying was true I should be rid of them at that time. But I really didn't see the point in having them dogging my every step for the next few days.

  "We cannot break our promise to guard you, Miss Brown. But we will try to be more discreet if that will please you." I looked at the two, now somewhat less threatening now that I knew why they were here. I still didn't trust them but my mama always said to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

  "Well I don't care for you two skulking around me, it just feels creepy. If you insist then I would prefer you be where I can see you. Come with me." With that I turned and headed back to the studio. They followed, still conferring quietly in Japanese.

  "I want to point out that I do understand Japanese, so if you insist on discussing what you should say to Master Yamamoto tonight in your report about this, please argue about it another time." That shut them up. When we returned to the studio I pointed to a few sturdy looking chairs and told them to sit down and be quiet. They did so and in fact didn't say another word for the next few hours.

  The confrontation had been refreshing for me. I hadn't realized how much having these two shadow me around had left me feeling as if I was always holding my breath. Now I could breathe more easily and felt ready to sit down and so some serious writing. The next few hours went by quickly and when it got late I dismissed them, ate at the bar downstairs and then headed back upstairs. Just as I anticipated, Julian called. I told him about my confrontation with the goons and he chuckled at my audacity.

  "I have a feeling that those two have never had a woman they were protecting turn on them quite like that," he ventured with a laugh. Oh how I loved that man's laugh and the fact he did it so easily. "My dad is going to get a taste of just who you are with their report tonight. I think you have just gone up in his estimation with that last trick." But then he got quiet. "You know, this means he sees you as part of the family Prissy." I loved it when he called me by my Dad's nickname for me. No one else quite pulled it off with that tone of affection as Julian did.

  We talked about his progress with the new venture and he told me he should be back in a few more days. I told him that I should be done my preliminary work on this case by then and would have a few free days when he got in for the two of us to enjoy. Neither of us said it, but I think we both intended it to be one spent exclusively with each other. We said our good nights and I smiled as I hung up the phone. I was so looking forward to seeing Marianne when she got back tomorrow. We had a girls' night out planned with a few of Marianne's friends. I was looking forward to turning in this paperwork and blowing off some steam tomorrow night. I felt I had earned it. Plus, I had Julian's return to look forward to now.

  Julian

  The deal was wrapped up. I was on the phone with my pilot, telling him I wanted to head back to San Francisco in a few hours. We were done a day early and I was looking forward to surprising Miss Priscilla with an early return. As I walked through the streets of New Orleans I found myself thinking about her, and the difference in our backgrounds. The city I was in now was steeped with the history of this country, and not always the best part of it. I knew that the slavery background was a big part of any black American's history and even with all her achievements Priscilla was no exception.

  Was I being a fool to think that someone with that history, that kind of emotional background, could ever be comfortable with a family like mine? My family isn't perfect by any means, but my Dad has always been the core of it, something I often rebelled against because of the expectations it created of the only child. In Japan it is not common for men to show emotion. I had fought that all my life, determined to be my own person and not held down by the stoic traditions of my father.

  One of the things that really attracted me to Priscilla was her positive view of life, despite her rough upbringing. Women were the backbone of the American black family from what I had read, but climbing the corporate ladder wasn't something too many black women had even considered doing, let alone finding the means to do it. How could I possibly understand her struggle? But I felt that in some ways I could. We both had fought to find our own identity in a culture that didn't approve of our choices. Perhaps we had more in common than I thought.

  My wandering had taken me back to the old part of New Orleans, the part of the city that I really did prefer. Its cobblestone streets and wide open welcoming ways had always been appealing to me. It may be one of the reasons I had noticed this little software company in the first place, tucked away in the French Quarter and breaking all the rules. I stopped for a drink at a bar that advertised itself as "the home of the hurricane", which in truth just about every bar down here said. I liked the sickly sweet drink because it tasted to me of the Creole culture that so fascinated me. As I sat down I noticed a familiar figure.

  Brock Sanderson has been involved in several deals I have put together the last few years. His latest acquisition, a record label that he is helping revive in Los Angeles, has been doing well from what I hear. I took my drink and walked over, wondering what brought him here. He looked up and smiled when he saw me. "Julian, I had heard you were in town."

  We shook hands and I joined him when he offered me a seat. We chatted about business; there is an historic old recording studio in town that he is considering for his new label. We talked about jazz, a mutual love, and somehow appropriate considering we are in the city that birthed it. He also tells me that he is thinking of getting married. I am surprised, knowing what a confirmed bachelor he has always been. When I leave I find myself thinking how if someone like Brock can be considering marriage, maybe it isn't that crazy an idea.

  As we fly back to San Francisco my thoughts turn to Miss Priscilla and all she promises. I begin to wonder if marriage might be our path as well. The business documents sit in my lap forgotten as I look out t
he window and wonder what that life might look like. I have never even considered marriage before and find myself conjuring up images of satin sheets and long nights making love. That is the first step that needs to happen, I tell myself. But the idea of having that beautiful body to myself every night makes me smile. It is time to find out if it can be true.

  Priscilla

  I can see Marianne's excited and laughing head talking with her friends as I come into the bar. We decided to meet at the pub in her little boutique hotel. I love the place, the vibe is comfortable and the bartender makes a mean cocktail. As I walk up I see she has already ordered an assortment of appetizers and drinks all around. My chocolate martini is waiting for me, the glass still chilled. I slide in as she makes the introductions. I met Chrissie before, Marianne's brother Buck's new girlfriend. I love her energy as she smiles and grabs my hand. On it, nice big engagements ring. I look up into her smiling elfin face, happy for her.

  "When did this happen?" I ask her as she displays it with pride. "He sprang it on me when we were up in the mountains on a geology trip. He just pulled an old-fashion proposal – on his knees and the whole nine yards." I am so happy for her. I know they only met a few months ago but they just seem so right together. "Have you set a date?" was of course the next logical question. She shook her head, sending her auburn curls flying. "No, and we aren't in any hurry really. I think he really just felt he needed this question answered." We exchanged hugs and then Marianne introduced me to the blonde bombshell sitting next to her.

  I have to admit that truly beautiful women like Jasmine tend to put me off. I make assumptions about them even if I know I am not correct. Marianne is beyond pretty but Jasmine is in a category of her own. When we were introduced I smiled and dismissed her as just another pretty face, perhaps someone modeling for Marianne. But as we talked I found out just how wrong I was. As Brock Sanderson's right hand at Principal Records she is responsible for every detail in the day to day running of the place.